Category: Compare

Overview

Vanicream has been a trusted name in sensitive skincare for decades, and their flagship Moisturizing Cream was the first to hit the market. Designed to offer rich, long-lasting hydration for those with eczema, psoriasis, or extremely dry skin, it quickly became a go-to for dermatologists and users alike. Later, Moisturizing Lotion was introduced as a lighter alternative, catering to those who needed the same gentle formula but in a more fluid, fast-absorbing form. Rather than replacing the original, the lotion complemented it—offering flexibility based on individual skin needs.

While creams and lotions often have different ingredient compositions, what sets Vanicream apart is that both their Moisturizing Lotion and Moisturizing Cream share the same ingredients—just in a different order. This subtle shift affects their texture and performance rather than their core formulation. The cream is thicker and richer, providing an occlusive layer to lock in moisture, while the lotion is more lightweight and spreadable, making it easier to apply over large areas. The main difference comes down to richness—not the presence or absence of certain ingredients.

Essentially, the best choice depends on specific skin needs. The Moisturizing Cream is ideal for tackling severe dryness, winter weather, or compromised skin barriers, making it a favorite for nighttime use or targeted areas like hands, feet, and elbows. On the other hand, the Moisturizing Lotion works well for daily hydration, warmer climates, or those who prefer a product that absorbs quickly without any heaviness—perfect for full-body application, under sunscreen, or before makeup. You can even mix both, layering the cream over the lotion for extra hydration.

To see a direct side-by-side breakdown of how these two compare, check out the comparison chart below! Which one do you prefer—cream, lotion, or both? Let us know in the comments!

Comparison

	Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion	Vanicream Moisturizing Cream
Ingredients	Purified Water, Petrolatum, Propylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sorbitol, Ceteareth-20, Simethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-30 Stearate, Sorbic Acid, BHT	Water, Petrolatum, Sorbitol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Ceteareth-20, Simethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-30 Stearate, Sorbic Acid, BHT
Size	453g	453g
Price	$14.85	$18.05
View Offer	Amazon	Amazon HerbsPro

Overview

Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream and La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 are two cult-favorite skincare products often compared on Reddit for their impressive abilities to soothe and repair compromised skin. Trusted by dermatologists and beauty enthusiasts alike, both products are staples for addressing irritated, dry, or damaged skin, yet they often spark debates about which one is better suited for specific skin concerns. Their comparable reputations for being gentle yet effective, paired with their shared “cica” branding, make them go-to solutions for people searching for skin-repair superheroes.

Interestingly, both products share the “cica” in their names, but this doesn’t necessarily mean they both feature centella asiatica (commonly referred to as “cica”) as a key ingredient. Instead, “cica” here stems from the word “cicatrize,” which means to heal or promote skin recovery. That said, La Roche-Posay’s Cicaplast does contain madecassoside, a potent active component of centella asiatica, known for its reparative and anti-inflammatory properties. Avène’s Cicalfate, on the other hand, does not rely on centella but still embodies the concept of skin repair through other innovative mechanisms.

While both products focus on repairing the skin barrier, they achieve this with unique ingredient profiles tailored to different skin types and needs. Cicalfate stands out with its postbiotic extract, which works to promote skin microbiome balance and healing, and a copper-zinc sulfate complex that helps to prevent infections and minimize discomfort. In contrast, Cicaplast boasts vitamin B5 (panthenol) for hydration and calming redness, along with madecassoside for its soothing and nourishing benefits.

Additionally, the textures differ due to their occlusive ingredients: Cicalfate contains mineral oil, while Cicaplast includes shea butter and 1% dimethicone to form a protective barrier over the skin. Though both brands state their products are non-comedogenic and won’t clog pores, those with oily or acne-prone skin may need to try them firsthand to detemine suitability.

Ultimately, both Cicalfate and Cicaplast are excellent for supporting a damaged skin barrier and can be used for a range of skin conditions, including post-procedure care, diaper rash, eczema, and general irritation. Their specialized ingredients and differing occlusive levels make them versatile for various skin types and needs. For a closer look at how these products compare, check out the following chart for detailed breakdowns to help you choose the best option for your skin.

Comparison

	Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream	La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5
Active	C+- Restore™ (Postbiotic), Copper-Zinc Sulfate Complex	Vitamin B5 (Panthenol), Shea Butter, Madecassoside
Booster	Glycerin, Avene Thermal Spring Water	Glycerin, La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water
Contains	Mineral Oil	1% Dimethicone (Silicone)
Size	40ml	40ml
Price	$28	$16.99
Find Offer	Amazon	Amazon

Ingredients

Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream

Avene Thermal Spring Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Mineral Oil, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Zinc Oxide, Propylene Glycol, Polyclugeryl-2-Sesquiisosterate, PEG-22/Dodecyl Glycol Copolymer, Aluminum Stearate, Aquaphilus Dolomiae Ferment Filtrate, Arginine, Beeswax, Copper Sulfate, Magnesium Stearate, Microcrystalline Wax, Tromethamine, Zinc Sulfate

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5

Water, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Panthenol, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Trihydroxystearin, Zinc Gluconate, Madecassoside, Manganese Gluconate, Silica, Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Sulfate, Disodium EDTA, Copper Gluconate, Citric Acid, Acetylated Glycol Stearate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Tocopherol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorhexidine Digluconate Titanium Dioxide

Product Overview

Aquaphor Healing Ointment and CeraVe Healing Ointment are two well-known skin protectants that consistently appear in discussions about dry or damaged skin. Both products have earned loyal followings due to their effectiveness in soothing and protecting the skin. Aquaphor is praised for its simple, no-frills formula, while CeraVe stands out for its inclusion of advanced moisturizers. These ointments are often compared because of their shared reputation for providing reliable protection and hydration, making them staples in many skincare routines.

Ointments like Aquaphor and CeraVe differ significantly from lotions and creams, particularly when it comes to managing skin conditions like eczema, cracked heels, or chapped lips. Unlike lighter moisturizers, ointments have a higher concentration of occlusive ingredients, creating a protective barrier that locks in moisture and shields the skin. This makes them especially effective on areas prone to dryness or irritation, such as the hands, elbows, and feet.

Both Aquaphor and CeraVe Healing Ointments are petrolatum-based. Petrolatum, commonly known as petroleum jelly, is a powerful occlusive agent that helps seal in moisture, creating a protective layer over the skin. This property makes petrolatum the cornerstone of most healing ointments. Additionally, both products are fragrance-free, catering to individuals with sensitive or allergy-prone skin.

While petrolatum accounts for the majority in their formulations, there are differences that set these two products apart. Aquaphor Healing Ointment contains just seven ingredients, including panthenol and glycerin to moisturize and nourish the skin. This minimalist approach appeals to users seeking an effective solution without the risk of irritation from complex additives. On the other hand, CeraVe Healing Ointment incorporates ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which are known to boost hydration and reinforce the skin barrier. Added moisturizers complement the occlusive properties of both ointments by boosting hydration and supporting the skin’s natural repair processes, enhancing healing.

These products are incredibly versatile for daily use, offering reliable protection against environmental stressors like wind and cold weather. Whether you’re sealing in hydration after applying a lighter moisturizer, treating dry patches, or soothing sensitive areas, Aquaphor and CeraVe deliver consistent results. While their formulas and added benefits differ, each product serves as a dependable solution for keeping your skin protected and hydrated. (They also come in ideal sizes that are perfect for the whole household!)

Comparison

	Aquaphor Healing Ointment	CeraVe Healing Ointment
Active	41% Petrolatum	46.5% Petrolatum
Booster	Panthenol, Glycerin	Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid
Contains	Mineral Oil, Lanolin Alcohol	Mineral Oil, Silicone
Size	396g	340g
Price	$19.99	$21.99
Find Offer	Amazon HerbsPro	Amazon

Ingredients

Aquaphor Healing Ointment

Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Ceresin, Lanolin Alcohol, Panthenol, Glycerin, Bisabolol

CeraVe Healing Ointment

Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Paraffin, Ozokerite, Dimethicone, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Water, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Proline, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol, Pantolactone, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin

Product Overview

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream and CeraVe Moisturizing Cream are two powerhouse moisturizers often compared due to their shared reputation for addressing dry, sensitive skin. Beloved by dermatologists and skincare enthusiasts alike, these creams cater to users seeking deeply hydrating formulas that soothe irritation and support the skin barrier. Both products have amassed loyal followings, with Cetaphil praised for its gentle, soothing properties and CeraVe celebrated for its science-backed approach to barrier repair. But despite their shared mission, these creams are far from identical.

At first glance, Cetaphil and CeraVe Moisturizing Creams share several notable similarities, making them difficult to distinguish. Both products are accepted by the National Eczema Association (NEA), reflecting their suitability for sensitive and eczema-prone skin. The two are advertised as non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog pores, and their minimalist, functional packaging can seem interchangeable at a glance. And, of course, both being fragrance-free. Internet discussions frequently note this confusion, highlighting the challenge of navigating two products that, on the surface, seem almost identical in purpose and presentation.

A closer look, however, reveals key differences in their formulations. While both feature occlusive ingredients like petrolatum and dimethicone to prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL), their active ingredients diverge significantly. Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream stands out with its blend of vitamins—niacinamide (B3), panthenol (B5), and tocopherol (E)—alongside glycerin to calm irritation, support skin renewal, and attract moisture. On the other hand, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream focuses on ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which are vital for restoring the skin’s natural barrier and maintaining long-lasting hydration. This distinction underscores their unique approaches to moisturizing and barrier support.

In summary, while both creams excel at nourishing dry skin and preserving the skin barrier, they cater to slightly different needs. Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream may be better suited for individuals with very sensitive or irritated skin due to its soothing and replenishing ingredients. In contrast, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is ideal for those looking to strengthen their skin’s protective barrier with three essential ceramides while boosting hydration with hyaluronic acid. Understanding these differences can help users choose the product that aligns best with their skin concerns and preferences.

Comparison

	Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream	CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Active	Vitamins B5 (Niacinamide), B6 (Panthenol), E, Glycerin	3 Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin
Occlusive	Petrolatum, Dimethicone, Sweet Almond Oil	Petrolatum, Dimethicone
Contains	Silicone	Silicone
Size	566g	539g
Price	$15.97	$19.49
View Offer	Amazon, HerbsPro	Amazon

Ingredients

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream

Water, Glycerin, Petrolatum, Dicaprylyl Ether, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, PEG-30 Stearate, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pantolactone, Dimethiconol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Carbomer, Propylene Glycol, Disodium Edta, Benzyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

Water, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Petrolatum, Potassium Phosphate, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Dimethicone, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, Dipotassium Phosphate, Tocopherol, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin